Fourth of July - Galaxie 500

It's a national holiday. The national holiday. Independence Day for the United States. And it's never been more obvious that we're living in a corrupt authoritarian state designed only to ensure profit for those in power at the expense of those who aren't. Increasingly, people are treated unfairly almost as if the cruelty is the point.

Galaxie 500 were an indie / dream-pop band that had its own unique sound that could never be duplicated. They were together for four years (1987-1991) and released three excellent albums. I love that they're from my relocated hometown of Cambridge, Massachusetts and I love that they created a space for themselves in modern rock, created and perfected a defining sound, called it quits and never looked back. They're all still musicians, but they're also producers, writers, graphic designers, filmmakers, and they will likely never reunite.

Fourth of July is from their last album, This Is Our Music. They had a difficult time recording this album and it's likely the reason they broke up. Still, every year on this day. I play this song on repeat because nothing else quite captures my mood.

These lyrics especially hit me today:

I stayed at home on the Fourth of July
And I pulled the shades so I didn't have to see the sky
And I decided to have a Bed In
But I forgot to invite anybody
And when I fell asleep
The neighbors had a peep
I never thought that I would end up here
Maybe I should just change my style
But I feel alright when you smile

It's the perfect song for not really feeling like celebrating America with pomp and circumstance and fireworks and hot dogs. Instead, Dean Wareham draws the curtains, sleeps all day and doesn't invite anyone to join him. But even at the end, he finds reason for hope when he sees his partner smile. This is what I cling to too. The little joys we find in each other. That's worth celebrating, with fireworks and BBQ or anything else. And the song ends with a joyous guitar celebration, as if the celebratory spirit has won out in the end after all.

So if you're in similar spirits as I am today, feel what you need to feel and know it's valid. Then, look for the smiles in your loved ones. Maybe even try to make them smile.

EAR•WAX is coming. Our first newsletter issue will be out July 15th. Our first podcast episode will be out July 22nd.

Thanks for listening.